SA: Hi,and thank you for agreeing to be interviewed for the newsletter! Shall we start with some 'getting to know you' questions? How did you meet/ how long have you been together? Have you been in other bands before this one?

Star4mation: Star4mation is a one man project consisting of Steve Jones who does everything! This is my first musical venture

SA: What are your musical influences?

Star4mation:I was brought up listening to classical music, and 60's pop, then I got into anything with synthesizers. Space Rock, Prog Rock, New Age, Trance and Ambient are big influences too. Bands which have influenced me most are Hawkwind, Tangerine Dream, Future Sound of London, the Orb and Gong.

SA: Why did you join SA and what advantages do you think it has?

Star4mation: I joined SA for the music and the people (many friends who I've known through other music sites and forums). If you want to hear good music these days, sites like SA are a must!

SA: What song would you most like to cover and why?

Star4mation: To do a cover song would mean I'd have to learn how to play music the conventional way! (It may happen one day!) I'd love to cover a Hawkwind song or maybe something by Steve Hillage (Gliss guitar is something I really want to try).

SA: What would be the best review you could read of your music?

Star4mation: A positive review from anyone would be nice but one from a respected musician,someone who I look up to and admire, would give me a warm feeling.

SA: What was the first gig you went to? First album you bought?

Star4mation: First Gig, I think, was Curved Air closely followed by Hawkwind. First Album was Electric Warrior by T.Rex! First non T.Rex album (I was and still am a huge Marc Bolan fan), was X in search of Space by Hawkwind.!



SA: Do you prefer indoor or outdoor gigs (Festivals or pubs basically!), and why?

Star4mation: Small, intimate festivals and theaters are good. Pubs are great! I love watching bands in pubs! I like to watch the musicians up close, check out their gear and things. (Sounds geeky don't it??)

SA: What's the scariest/funniest/silliest thing that's ever happened to you during a show?

Star4mation: I once played tambourine on stage with a band called Butterscotch at a college dance. It was pretty scary at the time as I'd never been on stage in front of so many people before. I didn't know the song either...

SA: Does digital download bring music to more people, or is harder for musicians to make a living?

Star4mation: If someone actually downloads my CD (it's called Goblins and Galaxies, check it out on Amazon mp3) I might make a few quid. In theory Digital downloads should bring a wider range of music to the consumer. It's hard to get heard though unless you devote a lot of time promoting your band on-line and gigging

SA: What would you be if you were not a musician (and if you have a "day job" what is it?)

Star4mation: I've only been a "musician" for around 2 years. (I actually consider myself more of a Soundscaper I think). I got into making music through my other passion,Digital Art. Neither pays enough to give up the day job which, to give it its full title is Opto-Electronic Manufacturing Technician.

SA: What's the best advice you've ever been given - and what would you say to people starting out in music?

Star4mation: Best advice: Believe in yourself and in what you're doing. Play from the heart and don't expect to get rich quick! What would I say to someone starting out in music? Firstly, enjoy what you're doing; be original, speak to other musicians and listen to the pro's. They know what they're talking about and give good advice. Above all have FUN!!

SA: Do you have a pre-show ritual? And what happens if you don't follow it???

Star4mation: No...

SA: What appears (or would you like to appear) on your rider?

Star4mation: Never had a rider as I don't do live performance, though I like to have a cup of tea close by when I'm recording.

SA: Why should someone want to win your CD?

Star4mation: With Goblins and Galaxies you get 40 minutes of chilled-out wierdness and some real cool Star4matio n digital art on the cover! Very limited edition too, as I will sign it for you.

SA: Anything else you would like us to know???

Star4mation: I do art for CDs, prints, and books too.